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Some look to traditional fasting methods, others embrace superfoods like millets, while many swear by the simplicity of lemon water.
The question is: how effective are these strategies, and what actually works to shed the festive flab? (Image: Instagram)
The Puja season across India is a time of lights, colors, music, and food. From ghee-laden laddoos to deep-fried savouries, from creamy mishti doi in Bengal to rich mutton curries in Kolkata pandals, and bhog khichuri enjoyed communally, celebrations are incomplete without indulgence.
For many, the days following Durga Puja, Navratri, or Dussehra feel heavier not just emotionally but physically. Stomach bloating, fatigue, skin breakouts, and unwanted weight gain often signal that the body is struggling to process weeks of excess sugar, oil, and refined flour.
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In response, Indians are increasingly adopting a range of detox practices to reset their system. Some look to traditional fasting methods, others embrace superfoods like millets, while many swear by the simplicity of lemon water. The question is: how effective are these strategies, and what actually works to shed the festive flab?
The Aftermath of Festive Feasting
Festive eating in India tends to combine high-calorie foods with irregular meal timings. Nutritionists point out that many celebrants skip meals during the day to make room for puja feasts or pandal hopping dinners, leading to spikes in blood sugar followed by fatigue.
Desserts made of condensed milk and sugar overload the body with empty calories, while fried snacks add saturated fat. Alcohol consumption often increases too, further taxing the liver.
The result is a body low in hydration, stressed digestive organs, and sluggish metabolism. For people with lifestyle conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or PCOD, the festive diet can be especially risky. Hence, the idea of a detox is not just about vanity—it’s about recovery.
Fasting: The Ancient Reset
Fasting after festivals is not new. In fact, many Hindu traditions prescribe ekadashi fasts or short breaks from heavy food after major celebrations. Modern nutritionists suggest that controlled fasting, such as intermittent fasting, can help the body recover from festive overload.
When you fast, the body shifts from constantly processing food to repairing cells, reducing inflammation, and mobilizing stored fat. Even a 12–14 hour gap between dinner and the next day’s breakfast can give the digestive system time to rest. For some, one day of eating only fruits, vegetable juices, or light soups after the festival helps flush out toxins and stabilize digestion.
Doctors warn, however, that fasting should not mean starving. People with chronic conditions should consult a physician before trying extended fasts. The key is gentle, sustainable methods that reset rather than shock the system.
Millet Revival: India’s Super Grain
2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations, but in Indian kitchens, the revival of ragi, bajra, jowar, and foxtail millet was already underway. Millets are rich in fiber, low on the glycemic index, and packed with micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. After days of refined rice, maida, and sugar, switching to millet-based meals can bring the body back into balance.
Ragi porridge with buttermilk for breakfast, jowar roti with vegetables for lunch, or bajra khichdi for dinner provide sustained energy without the sugar spikes. Nutritionists highlight that the fiber in millets also promotes satiety, preventing overeating during the post-festival phase when cravings are still high.
In urban India, ready-to-cook millet snacks and even millet dosa mixes are making detox easier for younger families who want health without abandoning traditional flavors.
Lemon Water and Hydration Rituals
Among the simplest and most widely practiced detox habits is drinking warm lemon water in the morning. While lemon itself does not “detoxify” the liver in a medical sense, it does hydrate the body, kickstart digestion, and provide vitamin C. Combined with honey, ginger, or mint, lemon water becomes a gentle cleanser, flushing out excess salt and balancing acidity after days of fried food.
Doctors emphasize hydration as the real hero. Festivals often mean late nights, alcohol, and salty snacks, all of which dehydrate the body. Replenishing with water, coconut water, or infused herbal drinks helps reduce bloating, supports kidney function, and improves skin clarity.
Modern Diet Hacks for Festive Flab
Beyond traditional practices, nutritionists recommend practical tweaks to lose the extra kilos gained during festivals:
- Replace one heavy meal with a light salad or soup.
- Cut down on refined carbs for at least two weeks post-festivities.
- Add more protein through lentils, sprouts, eggs, or lean meats to repair muscles and curb hunger.
- Use spices like turmeric, cumin, and fennel to aid digestion.
- Prioritize portion control rather than drastic diets.
Fitness experts also suggest pairing detox diets with regular movement. Even a brisk 30-minute walk daily helps burn off excess glucose, regulate mood, and restart the body’s rhythm.
The Emotional Side of Detox
Post-Puja detox is not just about food. After days of crowds, noise, and constant stimulation, many people experience a dip in mood. Psychologists note that this “post-festival blues” is common, especially in cities where family celebrations quickly give way to work deadlines.
Detox rituals like fasting or sipping herbal teas provide not just physical relief but also mental clarity. The act of consciously caring for the body after indulgence becomes symbolic of restoring balance to life itself.
Stories From Across India
In Bengaluru, a young professional described switching to ragi mudde and curd after Navratri feasts, saying it made her feel “lighter within days.” In Kolkata, a homemaker said her family has a tradition of eating simple khichdi with ghee and vegetables for the three days after Durga Puja immersion.
In Delhi, fitness groups organize “Detox Challenges” where members commit to lemon water mornings and sugar-free meals for two weeks. These stories reveal how detox has become both a personal and social ritual.
The Bigger Picture: Why Detox Culture Is Growing
India’s rising urban health concerns—obesity, diabetes, fatty liver—mean festive indulgences are no longer harmless. With more awareness and access to health content online, young Indians are actively seeking ways to balance tradition with wellness.
The revival of millets, the popularity of fasting apps, and the market for detox drinks all point to a cultural shift where health consciousness is woven into celebrations.
Nutritionists caution, however, against extreme detox trends like juice-only diets or over-the-counter cleanses. Sustainable change, they say, comes from small, repeated habits: eating seasonal produce, drinking water, and moving the body daily.
Balance, Not Punishment
Detox after Puja is not about punishing yourself for enjoying festive foods. It is about balance—returning to mindful eating, rehydrating the body, and restoring digestive strength.
Whether it is fasting lightly, reviving millet recipes, or drinking lemon water at dawn, the goal is the same: to recover energy and health without guilt.
In a way, detox is the quiet counterpart to the noise of festivals, a reminder that celebration and discipline must go hand in hand. The laddoos and biryanis will always be part of India’s cultural joy, but so too must be the khichdi, the lemon water, and the millet porridge that allow the body to celebrate for many years to come.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
October 01, 2025, 11:54 IST
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